Path-Constrained Points synthesis of symmetric mechanisms for prescribed higher-order curvature features

The kinematic synthesis of higher-order path generator mechanisms is herein addressed. Assuming mechanisms in a symmetric configuration, a coupler path sharing up to eight infinitesimally separated points with the ideal curve can be achieved. The novel design methodology is based on Path-Constrained Points(PCPs) for the characterization of the coupler motion. In particular, given the higher-order curvature features of the curve to be mechanically approximated, the mechanism link length ratios are analytically computed. The PCPs approach has been herein developed for the four-bar and the swinging-block linkages, but can be extended to a wide class of mechanisms. To speed-up computations, design charts solutions have been also prepared. Finally, the numerical examples and the coupler path plots allow to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed procedure.

Automated summary

This paper presents a novel design methodology for the kinematic synthesis of higher-order path generator mechanisms, based on Path-Constrained Points (PCPs) to characterize the coupler motion and analytically compute mechanism link length ratios. The approach has been developed for four-bar and swinging-block linkages, and can be extended to a wide class of mechanisms. Design chart solutions have been prepared to speed up computations, and numerical examples and coupler path plots are used to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed procedure.